<p>I do not know whether to take Bio 1A/1AL or Chem 3B/3BL this summer. Which class is harder and more time consuming (if I want to take the harder class over summer)? I understand that Bio 1A is supposed to be very difficult, but I am much more comfortable with bio than with chem. Also, the class that I decide not to take this summer I will be taking along with Physics 8A in Fall 09.</p>
<p>You will be able to focus 100% of your time on Bio 1A/L in the summer, unlike as with during the school year.</p>
<p>Most people say Bio 1A/L is harder. I just took Bio 1A/L but haven’t taken 3B/L so I can’t say from personal experience.</p>
<p>Bio 1A depends on your professors… for Fall 2008, I felt that the lecture course had easy material that you simply had to memorize but the curve was not so generous. Bio 1AL is the hard part… however, hardness varies with your GSI. You need to be ready to memorize every little detail for the 2nd exam. For the first exam, you need to apply some easy stuff you learned to really hard problems. </p>
<p>Chem 3B requires you to know a LOT of reactions. Mechanisms are easy if you understand what happens. Then you need to be able to put everything together for synthesis. The exams are typically so hard that there is a nice curve in the end. For Vollhardt, you will need to be able to apply and understand spectroscopy.</p>
<p>I took both classes simultaneously in Fall 08. I personally felt that Bio 1A was easier than Chem 3B but Bio 1AL was way harder than Chem 3BL.</p>
<p>dang, I feel like any possible way I arrange my schedule for future premed courses, all my semesters will be burdened by these time-consuming courses… i don’t understand how i can plan a “light” semester for the one I’m planning to take the mcats… how does anyone in berkeley study for mcats when they have their grades to worry about?! gosh, why does berkeley have to be so tough… >.<… </p>
<p>now some guy below me is going to post how i shouldn’t be complaining since i chose to go to cal and be a premed… haha… =</p>
<p>uhm, nevermind my last post. i was just reading the career center’s website for premeds, and it seems like most ppl take mcats during the end of their junior year… while i’m planning to graduate a year early… soo i guess i’ll need to study over the summer or something.</p>
<p>i took chem 3b/bl over summer and it was fine. i heard its a little eaiser because it focuses less on details.<br>
my friend who took bio1a/al was always studying and cramming because its just too much memorization/informaiton in 8 weeks which is pretty short time.</p>
<p>i took bio 1a/al along with physics 8a this fall and it wasnt that bad. bio 1al takes A LOT of time though… which i didnt realize until towards the end lol i really liked the bio 1a professors. they are so cute and are great professors! especially firestone :)</p>
<p>Take bio during the year. I regret taking it in the summer. Grade turned out well but I remember I had to study really hard because everyone else is studying like 24/7 for the quizzes/midterms/lab final. Literally.</p>